Fortune Facelift™ FAQ
These questions and answers are intended to help homeowners understand the Fortune Facelift™ program before making any decisions. We encourage all prospective participants to review them carefully and to seek independent legal or financial counsel as appropriate.
About the Fortune Facelift™ Program
What is the Fortune Facelift™?
The Fortune Facelift™ is a full-service renovation and real estate listing program offered by Fortune Weavers Inc. We partner with homeowners whose properties have deferred maintenance or require updates before they can sell at full market value. Fortune Weavers arranges the financing, manages the renovation, and lists the property, all at no upfront cost to the homeowner, so you can walk away with significantly more than any as-is or cash offer would provide.
Who is this program designed for?
The Fortune Facelift™ is best suited for homeowners who: • Have a property with deferred maintenance, dated finishes, or condition issues that are limiting its market value • Carry meaningful equity in their home and want to protect and maximize it • Are ready to sell but unwilling to accept a discounted offer due to the property's current condition • Are able to vacate the property for the duration of the renovation • Do not wish to manage or fund a renovation independently
How is the Fortune Facelift™ different from simply selling my home as-is?
Selling as-is typically results in offers that are well below market value, as buyers factor in renovation costs and risk. The Fortune Facelift™ allows your property to be presented in its best possible condition, attracting traditional buyers willing to pay full market value. In one recent Southern California project, a homeowner received an as-is cash offer of approximately $500,000. After completing the Fortune Facelift™ program, the estimated net to the seller was approximately $717,000, a difference of well over $100,000.
Is Fortune Weavers a real estate agent, a contractor, or an investor?
Fortune Weavers Inc. operates as your renovation and real estate partner. Samuel J. Weaver, President of Fortune Weavers Inc., is a California licensed real estate broker (CA DRE #01821150), with his license held with Real Brokerage. He brings over 20 years of experience in real estate renovation and investment throughout Southern California. Fortune Weavers coordinates licensed contractors but is not itself a licensed general contractor.
Costs, Fees & Financial Structure
What does the Fortune Facelift™ cost me as a homeowner?
In most cases, there is no upfront out-of-pocket cost to you. All program fees, including the project management fee and listing commission, are paid from the proceeds of your home sale at closing. If investor funds are used to finance the renovation, those costs are also repaid at closing from the sale proceeds.
What is the project management fee?
Fortune Weavers charges a project management fee based on the scope of renovation: • Light cosmetic renovations under $30,000: $5,000 minimum flat fee • Intensive renovations of $50,000 or more: $10,000 or 10% of the total renovation cost, whichever is greater • If you bring your own renovation funds, the fee structure may be adjusted accordingly
What is the listing commission?
Fortune Weavers charges a listing commission of 3% to 4% of the final sale price, depending on the complexity of the renovation and transaction. The buyer's agent commission is negotiable and is paid in addition to the listing fee. If you provide your own renovation funds, the listing percentage may be reduced.
Who pays for the renovation?
There are two scenarios. If you bring your own funds, you cover the full renovation cost, project management fee, and any related expenses. Fortune Weavers holds and disburses the funds directly to licensed contractors. If you do not have funds available, Fortune Weavers arranges capital from private investors. The investor funds are secured by a recorded Deed of Trust on your property and repaid with interest from the sale proceeds at closing.
Am I responsible for my ongoing housing costs during the renovation?
Yes. As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining all recurring holding costs throughout the renovation period, including: • Mortgage payments (if applicable) • Property taxes • Homeowner's insurance • Utilities • HOA dues or other recurring obligations
The Renovation Process
Do I have a say in renovation decisions?
No. As a condition of the Fortune Facelift™ program, Fortune Weavers retains full control over all renovation decisions, including design choices, materials, and contractor selection. This is a deliberate structure: it ensures that renovation decisions are made by experienced professionals with the goal of maximizing resale value, without delay or interference. Homeowners agree to a passive role in construction matters upon signing the Joint Venture Agreement.
Do I need to vacate my property?
Yes. The property must be vacant before renovation work can begin. You are required to vacate and remove all personal belongings and furniture within the timeframe agreed upon in your program agreement (typically within 10 weeks of signing). Any items or trash left in the property following that deadline may be subject to a trash removal charge.
How long does the renovation take?
Renovation timelines vary based on the scope of work. Light cosmetic renovations may be completed in as few as one to four weeks, while more comprehensive projects can take up to 24 weeks. Fortune Weavers provides weekly progress updates throughout the renovation period.
What happens if renovation costs exceed the original budget?
If unforeseen conditions arise that require additional funds beyond the original renovation budget, Fortune Weavers will discuss the situation with you and work to arrange additional investor capital if needed. Any cost overruns are addressed collaboratively, and no additional work proceeds without mutual agreement on the funding solution.
What if I change my mind after signing the agreement?
The Joint Venture Agreement contains provisions governing early termination. If you wish to exit the program, you would be required to reimburse Fortune Weavers Inc. for all services rendered and expenses incurred up to that point, including any funds already disbursed to contractors. You should review the agreement carefully and consult independent legal counsel if you have questions prior to signing.
Legal Structure & Property Protection
What is a Deed of Trust, and why would I need to sign one?
A Deed of Trust is a legal instrument recorded against your property that secures the investor's funds. It is similar in purpose to a mortgage lien: it gives the investor a protected interest in your property until their funds are repaid in full at closing. Fidelity National Title serves as the Trustee. The Deed of Trust does not transfer ownership of your property; title remains in your name throughout the program. Once the property sells and all obligations are satisfied, the Deed of Trust is reconveyed and removed from title.
Will I be required to place my property in a Living Trust?
While not an absolute requirement, Fortune Weavers strongly encourages all participating homeowners to place their property in a revocable living trust prior to the commencement of renovation work. This protects the investor's capital in the event of the owner's death by allowing the property to pass outside of probate, preserving the ability to sell the property without lengthy court proceedings. It also benefits you and your heirs by providing a clear, streamlined succession of your estate.
How does the living trust process work, and what does it cost?
Fortune Weavers handles the living trust process internally, ensuring that the trust is properly drafted, funded, and recorded. The cost to the homeowner is $800. In cases where investor funds have been arranged for the renovation, this fee can be paid from those funds, meaning no out-of-pocket expense to you at the time of signing. The property must be formally transferred into the trust before renovation work begins.
Who holds the renovation funds?
All renovation funds, whether provided by investors or by the homeowner, are held in a Fortune Weavers Inc. business account and disbursed directly to licensed contractors as work progresses. Homeowners do not pay contractors directly. This structure ensures proper fund management, contractor accountability, and a clear financial record for all parties.
What title and escrow companies are used?
Fortune Weavers works with Fidelity National Title and HLH Escrow, both located in Southern California. These established partners ensure all closings are handled professionally, with proper legal documentation and accurate distribution of proceeds to all parties.
Is the sale price of my home guaranteed?
No. Real estate values are subject to market conditions that are outside the control of Fortune Weavers Inc. The estimated After Repair Value (ARV) presented to you is based on comparable properties that have sold within one mile of your home in similar renovated condition within the prior six months. It is an informed projection, not a guarantee. Fortune Weavers is not liable for market fluctuations that may affect the final sale price.
Listing & Sale of Your Property
Who lists and sells my property?
Samuel J. Weaver lists your property through Real Brokerage upon completion of the renovation. As a California licensed broker with over 20 years of experience, Sam prices and markets the property based on current comparable sales to attract qualified, top-market buyers.
How are my net proceeds calculated?
Your net proceeds are calculated at closing after deducting the following from the final sale price: • Renovation costs (repaid to investor or to you if self-funded) • Investor return (if applicable) • Project management fee • Listing commission (3% to 4%) • Buyer's agent commission (negotiable) • Closing costs (typically 1% to 1.25% of sale price) • Any remaining mortgage balance • Living trust fee ($800, if applicable) • Any other agreed-upon fees or expenses
Can I keep the property after the renovation instead of selling it?
The Fortune Facelift™ program is structured exclusively as a renovate-to-sell arrangement. If you choose not to sell upon completion of the renovation, you would be required to reimburse Fortune Weavers Inc. for all project management fees, investor funds and returns, and any other costs incurred. This reimbursement would need to be arranged through refinancing or other personal funds.
Can I receive upfront funds to help with relocation costs?
In certain circumstances, Fortune Weavers may be able to provide a relocation advance of up to $20,000 to help cover moving expenses and living costs during the renovation period. This is subject to the following conditions: • The total of all liens against your property, including your existing mortgage, renovation funds, and the relocation advance, must remain below 70% of the After Repair Value (ARV) of your home • The advance is funded from investor capital and carries a double-digit interest rate • It is recorded as a lien against your property and is not a gift or grant • The full amount, including accrued interest, is repaid through escrow at closing from your sale proceeds • Availability depends on your property's equity position and is not guaranteed on every transaction
Getting Started
How do I know if my property qualifies?
The best first step is to schedule a complimentary property evaluation with Sam Weaver. During this visit, Sam will assess the condition of your property, review recent comparable sales in your area, estimate the After Repair Value, and outline what a Fortune Facelift™ renovation could look like for your specific situation. There is no obligation to proceed.
What documents will I be asked to sign?
If you choose to proceed with the Fortune Facelift™ program, you will typically be asked to sign: • A Statement of Understanding: a disclosure checklist confirming your understanding of the program terms • A Joint Venture Agreement: the formal partnership agreement between you and Fortune Weavers Inc. • A Promissory Note and Deed of Trust, if investor funds are utilized to finance the renovation • Living Trust documents, strongly encouraged prior to the commencement of work
How do I get started?
Contact Fortune Weavers Inc. directly to schedule your free, no-obligation property evaluation. • Phone: (562) 761-2721 • Email: sam@c2realty.com • Office: 13001 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. 210, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Disclaimer
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. All financial projections are estimates based on comparable market data and are not guarantees of sale price or net proceeds. Real estate values fluctuate due to market conditions beyond the control of Fortune Weavers Inc. Homeowners are encouraged to seek independent legal and financial counsel prior to entering any agreement. Fortune Weavers Inc. | CA DRE #01821150 | License held with Real Brokerage | 13001 Seal Beach Blvd. Ste. 210, Seal Beach, CA 90740
